Build your own
pedals

Introduction

The aim of this article is to present one method of
building pedals for flight simulators, racing games etc. for an
IBM PC. I wanted pedals to enhance flight simulators but didn't
feel that I wanted to spend over £80 for the cheapest that were
available, having also heard that the cheap plastic ones break
easily. I didn't want to make up something with bits of wood
nailed together so set off in search of almost ready made pedals!

In the end I settled for the cheapo step machine type
pedals. No use for exercise because they really need to be
hydraulic but great as a starting point for pedals! At the time,
these things were advertised in the newspapers for around £15
and they consist of square section steel with big pedal area and
springs. Turn them round the other way to face away from you and
you have almost complete pedals.

Construction

Firstly, you need to obtain your pedals. This may prove to
be the hard part as the "step" craze is over but then
again, this may allow you to get them at a lower price. I found
mine at a local Sunday market but I suggest you scour the car
boot sales, surplus shops and the like.

Having obtained your pedals you will need about 2 hours to
complete them.

Parts list:

Pedals

100K Lin Slide Potentiometer

2 Core cable (as long as you need)

1 x 15 way D Plug

2 x 15 way D Sockets (in line type)

You may wish to disconnect the springs from the pedals,
depending on your choice of pedals, they may be too stiff or you
may prefer the feel with springs connected. With springs
connected you might even get fit whilst sitting at your PC!